Presentation systems and related methods

ABSTRACT

A videoconferencing system includes a codec configured to generate one or more acknowledgement signals, a remote control for controlling the codec, a system controller in communication with the codec, and at least one other videoconferencing component. The system controller is configured to send one or more commands to the other videoconferencing component in response to the one or more acknowledgement signals generated by the codec. Other videoconferencing systems and presentation systems and related methods are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/251,937 filed Aug. 30, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/216,183 filed Mar. 17, 2014, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/794,805 filedMar. 15, 2013. The entire disclosures of the above applications areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to presentation systems, includingvideoconferencing systems, and related methods.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical videoconferencing system according to theprior art. As shown therein, the system includes a codec 24 having a(wired or wireless) remote control 28 with a user interface 32, such asa touch screen user interface. A user of the system can initiate videocalls, end or “hang up” video calls, adjust the volume of a call, etc.via the remote control 28 for the codec 24. However, other devices(including, e.g., a flat panel display 30, window shade control 32,lighting control 36, etc.) cannot be controlled via the codec remote 28,and must instead be controlled separately, typically using additionalremote controls and/or user interfaces on the devices themselves. Forexample, in the system of FIG. 1, a user must power on the flat paneldisplay 30 by pressing the power button on the flat panel display 30 orits remote control.

FIG. 2 illustrates another videoconferencing system according to theprior art. The system of FIG. 2 is similar to the system of FIG. 1, butfurther includes a programmable remote 64 (also referred to as a “customremote”) having a user interface 68, such as a touch screen userinterface. The custom remote 64 is typically programmed for controlling(wirelessly and/or via cables) not only the codec 24, but other devicesas well, such as the flat panel display 30, window shade control 32,lighting control 36, etc., either directly or via a control processor 65(also referred to as a remote processor). Therefore, a user may controlthe entire system of FIG. 2 via the custom remote 64. In that case, theother remote controls shown in FIG. 1 are not included in the system ofFIG. 2 and, to the extent they are provided, can be stored away.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate another videoconferencing system according to theprior art. The system of FIGS. 3A-3D includes a custom user interface 68which is typically programmed using a proprietary programming languageto “talk” directly to, and only to, a system controller 65 (via wiresand/or wirelessly) for controlling the various devices in the system.Feedback from the various devices connected to the system controller 65is provided by the system controller 65 to the custom user interface 68.The controller 65 is programmed to control each device in the system andreport the state of each device back to the custom user interface 68.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a videoconferencingsystem includes a codec configured to generate one or moreacknowledgement signals, a remote control for controlling the codec, asystem controller in communication with the codec, and at least oneother videoconferencing component. The system controller is configuredto send one or more commands to the other videoconferencing component inresponse to the one or more acknowledgement signals generated by thecodec.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for auser to control a videoconferencing system is disclosed. The methodincludes controlling the system using only a remote control configuredfor controlling a codec. The remote control may be configured forcontrolling only the codec.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, apresentation system includes a presentation switch having an input forconnecting a presentation source, a system controller in communicationwith the presentation switch, and at least one other presentationcomponent. The presentation switch is configured to generate one or moreacknowledgement signals. The system controller is configured to send oneor more commands to the other presentation component or the presentationswitch in response to receiving the one or more acknowledgement signalsgenerated by the presentation switch.

Further aspects and areas of applicability will become apparent from thedescription provided herein. It should be understood that variousaspects of this disclosure may be implemented individually or incombination with one or more other aspects. It should also be understoodthat the description and specific examples herein are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a videoconferencing system according to theprior art.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a videoconferencing system having a customremote control according to the prior art.

FIGS. 3A-3D are a wiring diagram of another videoconferencing systemhaving a custom user interface according to the prior art.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a videoconferencing system according to oneexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5D are a wiring diagram of a videoconferencing system accordingto another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example meeting room implementation of thevideoconferencing system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example meeting room implementation of thevideoconferencing system of FIG. 4 with multiple displays.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. Although the terms first,second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component,region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Termssuch as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein donot imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussedbelow could be termed a second element, component, region, layer orsection without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a videoconferencing system 100 according to oneexample embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, thesystem 100 includes a codec 110 configured to generate one or moreacknowledgement signals, a remote control 114 for controlling the codec,a system controller 118 in communication with the codec 110, and variousother videoconferencing components including one or more displays 120,speaker(s) 124, camera(s) 132, microphone(s) 128, and videotransmitter/receiver/scaler/switcher equipment 136.

Although multiple other videoconferencing components 120, 124, 128, 132,136 are shown in FIG. 4, only one other videoconferencing component maybe used in any given implementation of these teachings.

The codec 110 preferably issues one or more acknowledgement signals eachtime a predefined action or event occurs. For example, when the codec110 is powered on, it issues an acknowledgment signal indicating itpowered on. The remote control 114 for the codec 110 may “listen” tothese acknowledgement signals and, in response, update what is displayedon its user interface 116. For example, upon “hearing” anacknowledgement signal indicating the codec 110 powered on, the remotecontrol 114 may provide an indication on its interface 116 that thecodec 110 is “on.”

The system controller 118 is configured to send one or more commands tothe one or more other videoconferencing components 120, 124, 128, 132,136 in response to the one or more acknowledgement signals generated bythe codec 110. Thus, the system controller 118 may “listen to”acknowledgement signals issued by the codec 110. In response, the systemcontroller 118 may send appropriate command(s) (e.g., based onpreprogrammed logic) to the display 120, speakers 124, microphone 128,cameras 132, video transmitter/receiver components 136, lighting and/orwindow treatment controls 140, 144, etc.

The remote control 114 includes a user interface 116, such as a touchscreen user interface, by which a user may initiate video calls, end or“hang up” video calls, adjust the volume of the call, etc. The codec 110may provide video switching, scaling, volume control and camera controlas well as complex dialing and call management.

In some embodiments, when the system controller 118 interacts with thecodec 110, the system controller 118 does not duplicate capabilitiessuch as audio digital signal processing (DSP), user interface, videoswitching/scaling, etc., that are provided through the codec 110. Thesystem controller may communicate with the codec 110, e.g., via atwo-way RS-232 interface using an application programming interface(API) of the codec 110.

In response to codec acknowledgements, the system controller 118 mayprovide commands to other devices to perform various functions. Forexample, the codec 110 may be configured to automatically accept calls.Upon receiving a call, the codec 110 issues an acknowledgement signal.In response to the acknowledgement signal indicating a call wasaccepted, the system controller 118 may command the display 120 to poweron, switch the display 120 to the appropriate video input, and adjustthe speaker 124 volume, lighting 140 and window treatments 144.

Additionally, or alternatively, a user may plug his/her laptop or otherdevice into a room connection for a laptop. The system controller 118may sense through the codec (e.g., via an acknowledgement signal) that adevice has been connected. In response, the system controller 118 maycommand the display 120 to power on, switch the display 120 to theappropriate video input, and adjust the speaker 124 volume in the room.When the user's device is disconnected, the system controller 118 mayset a timer, e.g., for thirty minutes. After thirty minutes have passed,the system controller may command the display 120 to turn off unless,perhaps, another device has established a connection in the meantime. Ifanother user device is connected and subsequently is disconnected, thesystem controller 118 again sets the timer for thirty minutes.

In some embodiments, the system controller 118 may be programmed notonly to monitor the codec 110, but also to send commands to the codec110. In one example embodiment, videoconferencing may be provided in alarge room having two displays 120 at opposite ends of the room. Theroom may normally be divided into two smaller rooms by a movable roomdivider having a motion sensor or other device in communication with thesystem controller 118. If the system controller 118 receives a signalfrom, e.g., the motion sensor indicating the room divider is beingretracted to enlarge the room, the system controller 118 may commandboth displays 120 to power on and command the codec 110 to switch theappropriate video inputs/outputs to both displays 120.

Although the system controller 118 may be configured to perform variouspreset functions to control a conference room environment, not all ofsuch functions need to be performed in response to the codec 110. Thesystem controller 118 may execute independently of the codec 110 toperform various preset functions using equipment that may or may notcommunicate with the codec 110 in providing other functions. Forexample, the system controller may provide preset functions for a localpresentation that does not involve videoconferencing. The systemcontroller 118 may communicate with a presentation switch, e.g., amatrix switcher or presentation scaler of the videotransmitter/receiver/scaler equipment 136. The switch may be configuredto generate an acknowledgement signal in response to a laptop or otherpresentation source being connected to an input of the switch. When thesystem controller receives an acknowledgement signal from the switch,the system controller 118 may send one or commands to other systemcomponents, e.g., to dim the lights 140 and/or shades 144. In someembodiments, the system controller 118 may monitor motion sensors, smokesensors, etc. for particular events and may turn on lights, alarms, etc.in response to predefined events and/or environment conditions.

In some embodiments, the system controller 118 does not include atactile user interface (i.e., having switches or buttons). Further, insome embodiments, the remote control 114 for the codec 110 is the onlyuser interface in the system and may provide only limited functionalityto the user such as initiating/terminating calls, adjusting volume, etc.All other functionality may be provided by programming logic stored inthe system controller 118.

Other or additional components and functions could be provided, e.g., bya manufacturer of the videoconferencing system 100, that a user woulddirectly control through the user interface 116, remote control 114 andcodec 110. In some embodiments, the videoconferencing system 100performs various functions that are not directly user-controlled, butinstead are implemented automatically as described herein.

The codec 110 and many, if not most, of the other devices of thevideoconferencing system 100 communicate in any suitable mannerincluding, for example, using serial (e.g., RS-232) and/or InternetProtocol (IP) interfaces. In one example implementation of the systemshown in FIG. 4, the codec 110 is a Cisco® C40 codec and the remotecontrol 114 is a Cisco® CTS-CTRL-DVC8 touch panel. The videotransmission, reception, scaling and/or switching may be performed withwirelessly, e.g., via a Barco ClickShare® system. Additionally, oralternatively, wired transmission and reception/scaling may be provided,e.g., via a Crestron® DM-TX-201-C video transmitter and a Crestron®DM-RMC-SCALER-C video receiver/scaler. The system controller 118 may be,e.g., a Crestron® MC3.

The foregoing system can be more standardized and user-friendly thanother systems currently in use, because a user is not required tointeract with more than one remote control, and that one remote (i.e.,the codec remote 114) may have only limited and/or standardizedfunctionality so as not to overwhelm the user with options, programmingfeatures, or required actions. What the videoconferencing system can andcannot do may be quickly and clearly defined. Further, the overall costof obtaining and installing the system may be less because a customremote is not required, and therefore does not have to be programmed.Further, the system controller 118 may be configured for use with aparticular type/model of codec remote, and/or preprogrammed with logicthat applies to virtually any videoconferencing setup, which can furtherdecrease costs and/or simplify installation.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a videoconferencing system 500 according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 500includes a control device 114 that is preferably programmed tocommunicate (i.e., “talk”) to only a single device, namely, thevideoconferencing codec 110. The control device 114 may include a touchscreen. The control device 114 may talk directly to (and only to) thecodec 110 via wires and/or wirelessly. No feedback is provided to thecontrol device 114 other than from the device it is connected to, e.g.the codec 110. A system controller 118 is programmed to listen foractions of the control device 114, such as acknowledgements, etc. Basedon received acknowledgements and preprogrammed logic, the controller 118sends control signals to other devices in the system 500 as necessary tocarry out the tasks requested by the control device 114.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example implementation of the videoconferencingsystem of FIG. 4 in an office meeting room. The system of FIG. 6includes a touch panel 114 for controlling a codec in communication witha system controller, and various other videoconferencing componentsincluding a display 120, speakers 124, a camera 132, microphones 128,lighting 140, and window treatments 144.

FIG. 7 illustrates a videoconferencing system similar to the system ofFIG. 6, but includes two displays 120.

In one preferred embodiment, a videoconferencing system is implementedin a meeting room having dimensions of approximately ten to fifteen feetwide by fifteen to twenty five feet deep. The touch panel 114 maycontrol all aspects of the system including the displays 120 and theaudio volume. Lighting 140 and other devices may or may not becontrolled by the touch panel 114. Content input from a laptop may beprovided through a wired or wireless connection.

There may be only a single display 120, or there may multiple displayspositioned in any suitable configuration (e.g. two or more displaysarranged side-by-side, two displays arranged one above the other, two ormore displays positioned on opposite ends of the room, etc.). The one ormore displays 120 may be, e.g., LED displays and may have a screen size(measured diagonally) of approximately fifty five inches toapproximately ninety inches.

Room audio may be provided through one or more custom conferenceloudspeakers 124, through integrated system speakers, or through anyother suitable speaker configuration. Room audio may be captured usingtable top microphones 128, ceiling mount microphones, integrated systemmicrophones, or any other suitable configuration. Acoustic roomtreatments and/or video specific lighting may also be included in thesystem.

The touch panel 114 may be configured to “wake up” the system and turnon the display 120 when a user touches the touch panel. The touch panel114 may be configured to provide a user with the option to place a videocall, run a presentation, adjust the camera control and/or othersettings, etc. . . . . The system may also be configured toautomatically switch between video input sources and scale video signalsas appropriate based on device connections, depending on whether theuser has selected a conference call or a presentation, etc. The systemmay be configured to go into a standby mode after a period ofinactivity, if the user selects the standby mode, etc. The system mayautomatically wake up and turn on when a user touches the touch panel asdescribed above, when a call is received (e.g., if the system is set toauto-answer), etc.

Audio quality may be affected by significant outside noise coming intothe room, such as road noise, HVAC noise, other environmental noise,etc. Rooms with excessive hard surfaces such as significant glass, woodand/or stone may also affect audio quality. Therefore, it may bepreferable for a videoconferencing and/or presentation room to have anacoustic tile ceiling, carpeted flooring, audio treatments on drywall,etc. Rooms having insufficient light may affect video quality and causedisplayed images to appear grainy or otherwise distorted. Rooms withuntreated or undertreated windows can also allow sunlight into the roomto compete with the room lighting and affect the video quality. It istherefore preferable for the videoconferencing and/or presentation roomto have sufficient lighting 140 and, if necessary, window treatments144.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. A videoconferencing system controller comprising: at least oneinterface for communication with a codec of a videoconferencing systemand at least one videoconferencing component other than the codec,wherein: the videoconferencing system controller is configured toreceive from the codec an acknowledgment signal generated by the codecin response to the codec receiving a videoconferencing call; and thevideoconferencing system controller is configured to send one or morecommands to the at least one other videoconferencing componentindependently of the codec in response to receiving the acknowledgementsignal from the codec.